Kinesiophobia Is Associated with Migraine

Therapeutic Patient Education as Part of the Physiotherapy Management of Adults with Headache: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Physiotherapy interventions for headache mostly include exercise and manual therapy. Yet, the complex nature of headache, sometimes characterized by symptoms of facilitated central pain mechanisms, demands an individualized approach in which therapeutic patient education could be supportive. This scoping review aimed to summarize the position of therapeutic patient education within the physiotherapy management of adults with headache. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. The search-query comprised terminology relating to "headache", "education", and "physiotherapy". Eligibility criteria were: adults with headache, interventions including education within the domain of physiotherapy, reviews, clinical trials, cohort, case report, case-control studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Eleven publications were included from the 281 retrieved publications. These publications were clinical trials (n = 4), reviews (n = 4), case-reports (n = 2), and a guideline (n = 1). Type of headaches studied were migraine (n = 3), post-traumatic headache (n = 2), tension-type headache (n = 2), cervicogenic headache (n = 1), primary headaches (n = 1), chronic daily headache (n = 1), and mixed migraine-cervicogenic headache (n = 1). Education seems an umbrella-term for postural education, lifestyle advice, and pain education. Three themes emerged across the publications: handling headache triggers (migraine, post-traumatic headache), promoting active lifestyle (post-traumatic headache, chronic daily headache, migraine), evaluating posture (post-traumatic headache, chronic daily headache, tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache). All publications recommended education in the management of headache. Only one (of the 11 included) publication described the educational program and determined its efficacy. Based on this scoping review, therapeutic patient education seems supported within physiotherapy management of headache. However, it is unclear how such education is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, the headache subtype, or when it should be added to physiotherapy management of headache.

Initial validation of the 12-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in a retrospective sample of adults with chronic headache

INTRODUCTION

An area of emerging interest in chronic pain populations concerns fear of pain and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia)-a cognitive appraisal pattern that is well-validated in non-headache chronic pain. However, there is limited research on whether this construct can be measured in a similar manner in headache populations.

METHODS

The current project details a confirmatory factor analysis of the 12-Item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-12) using a clinical data set from 210 adults with diverse headache diagnoses presenting for care at a multidisciplinary pain clinic. One item (concerning an "accident" that initiated the pain condition) was excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

Results of the confirmatory factor analysis for the remaining 12 items indicated adequate model fit for the previously established 2-factor structure (activity avoidance and bodily harm/somatic focus subscales). In line with previous literature, total TSK-12 scores showed moderate correlations with pain severity, pain-related interference, positive and negative affect, depressive and anxious symptoms, and pain catastrophizing.

DISCUSSION

The current study is the first to examine the factor structure of the TSK-12 in an adult headache population. The results support the relevance of pain-related fear to the functional and psychosocial status of adults with chronic headache, although model fit of the TSK-12 could be characterized as adequate rather than optimal. Limitations of the study include heterogeneity in headache diagnosis and rates of comorbid non-headache chronic pain in the sample. Future studies should replicate these findings in more homogenous headache groups (eg, chronic migraine) and examine associations with behavioral indices and treatment response.

Therapeutic Exercise Parameters, Considerations, and Recommendations for Migraine Treatment: An International Delphi Study

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to reach consensus about the best exercise prescription parameters, the most relevant considerations, and other recommendations that could be useful for prescribing exercise to patients with migraine.

METHODS

This was an international study conducted between April 9, 2022 and June 30, 2022. An expert panel of health care and exercise professionals was assembled, and a 3-round Delphi survey was performed. Consensus was reached for each item if an Aiken V Validity Index ≥ 0.7 was obtained.

RESULTS

The study included 14 experts who reached consensus on 42 items by the third round. The most approved prescription parameters were 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per session, 3 days per week of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise, and relaxation and breathing exercises for 5 to 20 minutes every day. When considering an exercise prescription, initial exercise supervision should progress to patient self-regulation; catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, headache-related disability, anxiety, depression, physical activity baseline level, and self-efficacy could influence the patients' exercise participation and efficacy; and gradual exposure to exercise could help improve these psychological variables and increase exercise efficacy. Yoga and concurrent exercise were also included as recommended interventions.

CONCLUSION

From the experts in the study, exercise prescriptions should be adapted to patients with migraine considering different exercise modalities, such as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, relaxation, yoga, and concurrent exercise, based on the patients' preferences and psychological considerations, level of physical activity, and possible adverse effects.

IMPACT

The consensus reached by the experts can help prescribe exercise accurately to patients with migraine. Offering various exercise modalities can improve exercise participation in this population. The evaluation of the patients' psychological and physical status can also facilitate the adaptation of the exercise prescription to their abilities and diminish the risk of adverse events.

One-year changes in clinical and balance parameters in individuals of different subtypes of migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraine has been associated with balance dysfunction, more pronounced in patients with aura and chronic migraine. Also, it has been suggested that balance deficits are progressive through the migraineurs lifetime.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the one-year progression of balance parameters and clinical parameters associated with balance in female patients with and without migraine.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

The participants were distributed in four groups: control (CG; n = 27) migraine with aura (MA; n = 25), migraine without aura (MwA; n = 26), and chronic migraine (CM; n = 27). They performed the Sensory Organization Test, Motor Control Test and Adaptation Test protocols of dynamic posturography tests. Questionnaires about fear of falls, dizziness disability, and kinesiophobia were administered. These assessments were performed twice: baseline and after 1-year (follow-up). No intervention was performed for balance improvement, and the participants maintained their usual migraine treatment prescribed.

RESULTS

None of the groups differed in balance tests between baseline and follow-up. We observed a reduction in migraine frequency in MA (-2.2 days, p = 0.01) and CM (-10.8 days, p < 0.001) groups, and in the migraine intensity (-2.3 points, p = 0.001) in CM group. Significant decreases in the scores of fear of falling, dizziness disability, and kinesiophobia were observed in the migraine groups (p < 0.05), but the differences did not exceed the minimal detectable change of the questionaries scores.

CONCLUSION

Women with different migraine subtypes did not present balance changes in a one-year interval. The improvements in migraine's clinical features were not accompanied by improvements in balance parameters.

Balance disorders and migraine

BACKGROUND

Migraine is associated with motion sensitivity symptoms such as kinetosis, vestibular symptoms and balance alterations. While focus is given to headache management, addressing these symptoms is often neglected, although they are related to additional migraine burden and increased disability.

PURPOSE

Our aim is to disseminate the current understanding of the motion sensitivity symptoms among patients with migraine, with focus on balance impairments. We discuss the susceptibility of migraine to motion sensitivity, its suggested mechanisms, the balance alterations during quiet standing, mobility tasks and reactions to external perturbations. The role of migraine subdiagnosis, implications for clinical practice and future perspectives are also acknowledged.

IMPLICATIONS

Balance disorders are one of the signs reflecting a broader and complex spectrum of motion sensitivity, which are present even between attacks. Migraineurs are especially inherent to these symptoms probably due to brain hyperexcitability and to shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Patients, especially with aura and chronic migraine, exhibit balance instability during quiet standing under different surface and visual input conditions. Migraineurs demonstrated reduced limits of stability and lower performance on walk, transposing obstacles and sit to stand tasks. Only patients with aura present impairment of motor control reactions following external perturbations. Balance alterations are associated with falls and are influenced by aura, migraine frequency and psychosocial aspects, but not by vestibular symptoms or vestibular migraine diagnosis. There is a high demand for high quality of evidence regarding the assessment and care of motion sensitivity symptoms in migraineurs, considering approaches to manage not just the pain, but its associated symptoms.

Prescription of therapeutic exercise in migraine, an evidence-based clinical practice guideline

The main objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide a series of recommendations for healthcare and exercise professionals, such as neurologists, physical therapists, and exercise physiologists, regarding exercise prescription for patients with migraine.This guideline was developed following the methodology and procedures recommended in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE). The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were evaluated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). A systematic literature review was performed and an established appraisal process was employed to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology).The evaluation of the current evidence, the elaboration of the grades of recommendation, and their validation show a B grade of recommendation for aerobic exercise, moderate-continuous aerobic exercise, yoga, and exercise and lifestyle recommendations for the improvement of symptoms, disability, and quality of life in patients with migraine. Relaxation techniques, high-intensity interval training, low-intensity continuous aerobic exercise, exercise and relaxation techniques, Tai Chi, and resistance exercise obtained a C grade of recommendation for the improvement of migraine symptoms and disability.

Effectiveness of eye movement exercise and diaphragmatic breathing with jogging in reducing migraine symptoms: A preliminary, randomized comparison trial

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a multifactorial headache disorder. Maladaptive functional networks or altered circuit-related connectivity in the brain with migraine appear to perturb the effects of usual treatments.

OBJECTIVES

In the present preliminary trial, we aim to study the effectiveness of performing pieces of body-mind, cognitive, or network reconstruction-based training (i.e., eye movement exercise plus jogging; EME+J and diaphragmatic breathing plus jogging; DB+J) in decreasing migraine symptoms.

METHODS

We used a three-arm, triple-blind, non-inferiority randomized comparison design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements to assess the effectiveness of EME+J and DB+J in the brain with migraine. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the study groups to perform either 12 consecutive weeks of EME+J (n = 22), DB+J (n = 19), or receiving, treatment as usual, TAU (n = 22).

RESULTS

The primary outcome statistical analysis through a linear mixed model showed a significant decrease in the frequency (p = .0001), duration (p = .003), and intensity (p = .007) of migraine attacks among the interventions and measurement times. The pairwise comparisons of simple effects showed that EME+J and DB+J effectively reduced migraine symptoms at the post-test and follow-up (p < .05). Cochran's tests showed that interventions decreased the number of menses-related migraine attacks. EME+J and DB+J effectively decreased over-the-counter (OTC) drug use, refreshed wake-up mode, and improved sleep and water drinking patterns. These are the secondary outcomes that Cochran's tests showed in the interventional groups after the interventions and at 12 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

EME+J or DB+J can be an effective and safe method with no adverse effects to decrease the symptoms of migraine attacks. Moreover, a reduction in the frequency of menstrual cycle-related attacks, OTC drug use, and improved quality of sleep and drinking water were the secondary outcomes of the post-test and a 12-month follow-up.

An investigation of the relationship between cutaneous allodynia and kinesiophobia, gastrointestinal system symptom severity, physical activity and disability in individuals with migraine

Background

To investigate the relationship between cutaneous allodynia (CA) and kinesiophobia, gastrointestinal system (GIS) symptom severity, physical activity, and disability, and to determine whether CA, pain, and disability were influencing factors for kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, and physical activity in individuals with migraine.

Methods

The study included 144 individuals with migraine. CA, kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, physical activity level, and migraine-related disability were evaluated with the Allodynia Symptom Checklist, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-7, and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), respectively.

Results

The CA severity was only associated with TKS (r = 0.515; P < 0.001), GSRS-total (r = 0.336; P < 0.001), GSRS-abdominal pain (r = 0.323; P < 0.001), GSRS-indigestion (r = 0.257; P = 0.002), GSRS-constipation (r = 0.371; P < 0.001), and MIDAS scores (r = 0.178; P = 0.033). Attack frequency (P = 0.015), attack duration (P = 0.035) and presence of CA (P < 0.001) were risk factors for kinesiophobia. Attack frequency (P = 0.027) and presence of CA (P = 0.004) were risk factors for GIS symptoms.

Conclusions

There was a relationship between the CA and kinesiophobia, GIS symptoms, and disability. CA and attack frequency were found to be risk factors for kinesiophobia and GIS symptoms. Migraine patients with CA should be assessed in terms of kinesiophobia, GIS, and disability. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary changes and/or pharmacological treatment options for CA may increase success in migraine management.

Clinical and Psychological Variables in Female Patients with Cervical Syndromes: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Background: The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), psychological distress and kinesiophobia in patients with cervicogenic dizziness (CGD), tension-type headache (TTH), and mechanical chronic neck pain (MCNP); and (2) to investigate the relationships between pain intensity and cervical ROM and between psychological distress and kinesiophobia. Methods: a cross-sectional and correlational study was designed. In total, 109 patients (32 patients with CGD, 33 with TTH and 44 with MCNP) were included. Pain intensity, cervical ROM, psychological distress and kinesiophobia were assessed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in pain intensity, psychological distress and kinesiophobia. The patients with MCNP showed higher pain intensity compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The patients with CGD showed higher depression and kinesiophobia values compared to the MCNP and TTH groups (p < 0.05). No differences were found for cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, or rotation ROM (p > 0.05). The CGD and MCNP groups found a moderate positive correlation between psychological distress and kinesiophobia (p < 0.05). The patients with TTH and MCNP showed a moderate positive correlation between pain intensity, psychological distress and kinesiophobia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Pain intensity, psychological distress and kinesiophobia should be considered in the three groups. Psychological distress was correlated with kinesiophobia in the CGD and MCNP groups. The MCNP group showed a correlation between pain intensity, psychological distress and kinesiophobia.

Treatments for kinesiophobia in people with chronic pain: A scoping review

Kinesiophobia is associated with pain intensity in people suffering from chronic pain. The number of publications highlighting this relationship has increased significantly in recent years, emphasizing the importance of investigating and synthesizing research evidence on this topic. The purpose of this scoping review was to answer the following questions: (1) What types of interventions have been or are currently being studied in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the management of kinesiophobia in patients with chronic pain? (2) What chronic pain conditions are targeted by these interventions? (3) What assessment tools for kinesiophobia are used in these interventions? According to the studies reviewed, (1) physical exercise is the most commonly used approach for managing irrational fear of movement, (2) interventions for kinesiophobia have primarily focused on musculoskeletal pain conditions, particularly low back pain and neck pain, and (3) the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia is the most commonly used tool for measuring kinesiophobia. Future RCTs should consider multidisciplinary interventions that can help patients confront their irrational fear of movement while taking into account the patient’s personal biological, psychological, and social experiences with pain and kinesiophobia.

Pain is Not a "thing": How That Error Affects Language and Logic in Pain Medicine

Effectiveness in academic and clinical communication depends upon agreement on what words and concepts denote and on the consequent ability to argue logically and accurately. In the pain medicine literature there are many examples of imprecision and confusion in this respect, including misnomers and fallacies in reasoning. This article firstly critically examines some of these misnomers. Identified themes include pain being conceptualised as a "thing," conflation between nociception and pain, and confusion between stimulus and response and between the perspectives of the experiencer and the observer of "pain." Secondly, fallacies in reasoning are identified that contribute to imprecision and confusion. These include reification of pain, attributing to the brain functions that belong to whole organisms, and the illusory truth effect. Thirdly, these themes are identified also in constructs that are shown to be based more on speculation than on fact. Taken together, these observations reveal a need to review and, where necessary, modify terminology and concepts used in Pain Medicine. PERSPECTIVE: This article examines a number of words and constructs commonly found in the pain literature from the perspective of accuracy in terms of their consistency of usage, concordance with fact, degree of speculation and logical argument. A common major theme is the error of considering pain as a "thing" that has agentive properties. A need to clarify much of the language used in Pain Medicine is identified.

Neck and back muscle chains hypomobility in women with migraine

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mobility of neck and back flexor and extensor muscle chains in women with migraine, chronic migraine and headache-free.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. The muscle chain test was performed based on the theoretical assumptions of the Busquet method, in women with migraine (MG, n = 24), chronic migraine (CMG, n = 36) and headache-free (CG, n = 27). The evaluation of neck and back mobility was performed by an examiner expert in the Busquet method with the aid of cervical range of motion (CROM®) device (neck muscles) and the Tiltmeter® application (back muscles).

RESULTS

Compared to woman headache-free, women with migraine (MD = -12° [CI95% = -19°, -5°] and chronic migraine (MD = -15° [CI95% = -21°, -8°] present reduced mobility in the neck extensor muscle chain. Also, in the back extensor muscle chain, migraine vs headache-free (MD = -9° [CI95% = -15°, -2°]) and chronic migraine vs headache-free (MD = -10° [CI95% = -16°, -4°]) and in the back flexor muscle chain, migraine vs headache-free (MD = -6° [CI95% = -10°, -0.1°]) and chronic migraine vs headache-free (MD = -7 [CI95% = -11°, -2°]), with an effect sizes varying between 1.19 e 2.38. No difference was found between groups for neck flexor muscle chain.

CONCLUSION

Women with migraine and chronic migraine have hypomobility of the neck and back extensor muscle chains, and of the back flexor chain.

Is kinesiophobia related to fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability in patients with migraine?

INTRODUCTION

Kinesiophobia is a common symptom associated with high disability, and has been observed in patients with migraine. However, the association between kinesiophobia and clinical factors in this population is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability in patients with migraine, considering the presence of kinesiophobia.

METHODS

Eighty patients with migraine completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and were divided into two groups according to the questionnaire cutoff point: migraine without kinesiophobia (MoK, n = 39) and migraine with kinesiophobia (MK, n = 41). Fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability were assessed in both groups using validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

The MK group presented higher scores on dizziness disability, fear of falling, and migraine disability compared to the MoK (p < .05). Kinesiophobia can explain 29% of the variance in dizziness disability and 18% of migraine disability. Both kinesiophobia and the presence of dizziness can explain 14% of fear of falling variability. Also, kinesiophobia is associated with the risk of presenting fear of falling (Prevalence Ratio = 2.4, p = .012), and migraine disability (Prevalence Ratio = 2.6, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

The presence of kinesiophobia should be considered in clinical practice when evaluating migraine, as it is associated with increased levels of fear of falling, dizziness disability, and migraine disability.

Subjective sensory sensitivity and its relationship with anxiety in people with probable migraine

OBJECTIVE

To better characterize differences in interictal sensory experience in adults with migraine and more comprehensively describe the relevance of anxiety to these experiences.

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that sensitivity to sensory input may not be limited to migraine attacks but continues between them. However, there is a need to better understand whether this is the case across senses, and to clearly distinguish sensory experience from measured sensory threshold, which are not straightforwardly related. Previous literature also indicates a co-occurrence between sensory sensitivity, migraine, and anxiety, but this relationship remains to be fully elucidated.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study used online questionnaires to investigate how self-reported sensory experiences relate to migraine in a large community sample including 117 individuals with probable migraine and 827 without. Mediation analyses were also used to determine whether any relationship between migraine and sensory sensitivity was mediated by anxiety.

RESULTS

Significant increases in subjective reports of sensory sensitivity (d = 0.80) and sensory avoidance (d = 0.71) were found in participants with migraine. Anxiety symptoms partially mediated the relationship between subjective sensory sensitivity and migraine. Finally, visual, movement, and auditory subscales were found to provide unique explanatory variance in analyses predicting the incidence of migraine (area under the curve = 0.73, 0.69, 0.62 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subjective sensory sensitivities are present between attacks and across senses in individuals with migraine. Anxiety symptoms are relevant to this relationship; however, sensory sensitivities appear to exist independent of this affective influence. The implications of interictal sensitivities for the daily lives of those with migraine should, therefore, be considered in clinical management wherever appropriate.

Neck Active Movements Assessment in Women with Episodic and Chronic Migraine

We aimed to compare movement parameters and muscle activity during active cervical spine movements between women with episodic or chronic migraine and asymptomatic control. We also assessed the correlations between cervical movement measures with neck-related disability and kinesiophobia. Women with episodic (n = 27; EM) or chronic (n = 27; CM) migraine and headache-free controls (n = 27; CG) performed active cervical movements. Cervical range of motion, angular velocity, and percentage of muscular activation were calculated in a blinded fashion. Compared to CG, the EM and CM groups presented a reduced total range of motion (p < 0.05). Reduced mean angular velocity of cervical movement was also observed in both EM and CM compared to CG (p < 0.05). Total cervical range of motion and mean angular velocity showed weak correlations with disability (r = −0.25 and −0.30, respectively; p < 0.05) and weak-to-moderate correlations with kinesiophobia (r = −0.30 and −0.40, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between headache features and total cervical range of motion or mean angular velocity (p > 0.05). No differences in the percentage of activation of both flexors and extensors cervical muscles during active neck movements were seen (p > 0.05). In conclusion, episodic and chronic migraines were associated with less mobility and less velocity of neck movements, without differences within muscle activity. Neck disability and kinesiophobia are negative and weakly associated with cervical movement.

Physical inactivity and headache disorders: Cross-sectional analysis in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity has been linked to headache disorders but estimates based on the current World Health Organization physical activity guidelines are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To test the associations between headache disorders and physical inactivity in the ELSA-Brasil cohort.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis, linear (continuous variables) and logistic regression models (categorical variables) tested the associations of physical activity levels in the leisure time, commuting time, and combined leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains with headache disorders, adjusted for the effects of sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk variables, psychiatric disorders, and migraine prophylaxis medication.

RESULTS

Of 15,105 participants, 14,847 (54.4% women) provided data on physical activity levels and headache. Higher physical activity levels (continuous values) in the leisure time physical activity domain associated with lower migraine and tension-type headache occurrence and lower headache attack frequency, while in the commuting time physical activity domain it associated with more frequent headache attacks. Compared to people who met World Health Organization physical activity levels in the leisure time physical activity or combining leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains (i.e. ≥150 min.wk^-1 of moderate and/or ≥75 min.wk^-1 of vigorous physical activity), physical inactivity associated with higher migraine occurrence, while somewhat active (i.e. not meeting World Health Organization recommendations) associated with higher migraine and tension-type headache occurrence. Physical inactivity in the commuting time physical activity domain associated with higher tension-type headache in men and lower migraine in women. Physical inactivity within vigorous leisure time physical activity intensity, but not moderate leisure time physical activity, associated with higher migraine, mostly in women. Finally, physical inactivity associated with higher headache attack frequency regardless headache subtype.

CONCLUSION

Physical inactivity and unmet World Health Organization physical activity levels associate with primary headaches, with heterogeneous associations regarding headache subtype, sex, physical activity domain/intensity, and headache frequency in the ELSA-Brasil study.

Effectiveness of Exercise and Manual Therapy as Treatment for Patients with Migraine, Tension-Type Headache or Cervicogenic Headache: An Umbrella and Mapping Review with Meta-Meta-Analysis

The aim of the study was to perform a mapping and umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis (MMA) to synthesise and critically evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) and aerobic exercise (AE) in relation to pain intensity, frequency, disability and quality of life in patients with migraines, tension-type headaches (TTH) and cervicogenic headaches (CGH). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Scielo and Google Scholar up to December 2020. A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria, and only 8 were included in the quantitative analysis. The MMA showed results in favour of the interventions in terms of pain intensity and quality of life in migraine, TTH and CCH. Data were also in favour of the intervention in terms of pain frequency in migraine and in terms of disability in TTH. However, there were no significant effects on pain frequency in TTH and CGH. The results showed moderate evidence to suggest that AE reduces pain intensity in patients with migraine. In addition, the evidence in favour of MT or a mixed intervention (including therapeutic exercise) was also moderate in terms of reducing pain intensity in patients with TTH.

Effects of SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG home-exercise for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) may originate from the C1-C2 zygapophyseal joints. CGH is often associated with loss of range of motion (ROM), specific to this segment, and measurable by the cervical flexion-rotation test (CFRT). The main purposes of the study were: 1) to investigate the immediate effect of C1-C2 rotation SNAG mobilizations plus C1-C2 self-SNAG rotation exercise for patients with CGH and 2) to explore the link between the CFRT results and treatment response.

METHODS

A prospective quasi-experimental single-arm design was used where patients with CGH received eight physical therapy treatments using a C1-C2 rotational SNAG technique combined with a C1-C2 self-SNAG rotation exercise over a four-week period. Outcome measures were pain intensity/frequency and duration, active cervical ROM, CFRT, neck-related and headache-related self-perceived physical function, fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia.

RESULTS

The intervention produced strong effects on pain intensity, CFRT, physical function and pain catastrophizing. Moderate improvement was noted on active cervical ROM and on fear-avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia. No link was found between pre-intervention CFRT ROM and treatment response.

CONCLUSION

SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG exercise resulted in favorable outcomes for the treatment of CGH on patient-important and biomechanical outcomes, as well as pain-related cognitive-affective factors.

Prevalence and characteristics of cutaneous allodynia in probable migraine

Cutaneous allodynia (CA) is a pain in response to non-nociceptive stimulation and a marker of central sensitisation. Probable migraine (PM) is a migraine subtype that fulfils all but one criterion of migraine. Headache intensity and the disability of individuals with PM are similar or lower than individuals with migraine. This study compared CA prevalence and characteristics of PM and migraine using a nationally representative sample in Korea. The Allodynia Symptom Checklist-12 (ASC-12) was used to assess CA (ASC-12 score ≥ 3). PM and migraine prevalence were 11.6% and 5.0%, respectively. CA prevalence did not significantly differ between PM and migraine (14.5% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.701). Participants with PM with CA reported a higher monthly headache frequency (3.3 ± 4.3 vs. 1.8 ± 3.6, p = 0.044), more severe headache intensity (Visuals Analogue Scale, 6.0 [4.0–7.0] vs. 5.0 [3.0–6.0], p = 0.002), and higher impact of headache (Headache Impact Test-6, 56.3 ± 7.2 vs. 48.3 ± 8.0, p < 0.001) than those without CA. Multiple regression analyses revealed that headache frequency and intensity, anxiety, and depression were significant factors for CA in participants with PM. In conclusion, CA prevalence among participants with PM and migraine were comparable. Anxiety, depression, and headache frequency and intensity were significant factors for CA in participants with PM.

Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Kinesiophobia Are Presented in Athletes who Suffer from Gastrocnemius Chronic Myofascial Pain

OBJECTIVE

To compare and predict kinesiophobia and fear avoidance beliefs between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and healthy athletes.

DESIGN

Case-control.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic.

SUBJECTS

Fifty athletes were divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius MPS (N = 25) and healthy athletes (N = 25).

METHODS

Kinesiophobia symptoms total and domain scores (harm and activity avoidance) and levels were determined by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (physical and working activities) were measured by the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ).

RESULTS

Significant differences (P < 0.05) with a large effect size (d = 0.81-4.22) were found between both groups, with greater kinesiophobia symptom scores for the TSK-11 activity avoidance domain and total scores, and greater fear avoidance beliefs scores for the FABQ physical and working activities domains and total scores of athletes with gastrocnemius MPS with respect to healthy athletes. TSK-11 total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.256) based on the FABQ total score. The FABQ total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.741) based on gastrocnemius MPS presence (R2 = 0.665), levels of kinesiophobia (R2 = 0.052), and height (R2 = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater kinesiophobia levels, greater total and activity avoidance domain scores (but not for the harm domain), and greater fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (work and physical activity) were shown for athletes with gastrocnemius MPS vs healthy athletes. Higher kinesiophobia symptoms were predicted by greater fear avoidance beliefs in athletes. Greater fear avoidance beliefs were predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius MPS, higher levels of kinesiophobia, and lower height in athletes.

Clinical Reasoning Behind Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Headaches: A Narrative Literature Review

Headache is the clinical syndrome most commonly observed by neurologists in daily practice. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are commonly used for the management of headaches; however, the clinical reasoning behind these interventions is not properly applied. We conducted a narrative literature review using as data sources for academic PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, EBSCO, PEDro, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Collaboration Trials Register, and SCOPUS. This narrative literature review mainly considered systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised clinical trials, and expert opinions published after the year 2000 discussing clinical reasoning for application of non-pharmacological interventions in individuals with tension-type, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches. After the data extraction, we organized the literature thematically as follows: (1) mapping of theoretical aspects of non-pharmacological interventions; (2) summarizing most updated literature about effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions grouped by targeted tissue and headache; (3) identifying research gaps in the existing literature and proposing hypotheses for better understanding of current clinical reasoning. We found that there are many non-pharmacological treatment strategies used for headaches, including beyond the tissue-based impairment treatments (bottom-up) and strategies targeting the central nervous system (top down). Bottom-up strategies include joint-biased, soft-tissue biased, or needling interventions, whereas top-down strategies include exercise and cognitive interventions. Evidence shows that the effectiveness of these interventions depends on the application of proper clinical reasoning, since not all strategies are effective for all headaches. For instance, evidence of non-pharmacological interventions is more controversial for migraines than for tension-type or cervicogenic headaches, since migraine pathogenesis involves activation of sub-cortical structures and the trigemino- vascular system, whereas pathogenesis of tension-type or cervicogenic headaches is most associated to musculoskeletal impairments of the cervical spine. We conclude that current literature suggests that not all non-pharmacological interventions are effective for all headaches, and that multimodal, not isolated, approaches seem to be more effective for patients with headaches. Most published studies have reported small clinical effects in the short term. This narrative literature review provides some hypotheses for discrepancies in the available literature and future research. Clinical reasoning should be applied to better understand the effects of non-pharmacological interventions.

Kinesiophobia and Pain Intensity Are Increased by a Greater Hallux Valgus Deformity Degree- Kinesiophobia and Pain Intensity in Hallux Valgus

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) has been previously associated with psychological disorders. Thus, the purposes of this study were to associate kinesiophobia and pain intensity with HV deformity degrees, as well as predict kinesiophobia and pain intensity based on HV deformity and demographic features. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out recruiting 100 subjects, who were divided into HV deformity degrees, such as I-no HV (n = 25), II-mild (n = 25), III-moderate (n = 25), and IV-severe (n = 25) HV. Kinesiophobia total and domains (activity avoidance and harm) scores and levels were self-reported by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Pain intensity was self-reported by the numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01; η² = 0.132–0.850) were shown for between-groups comparison of kinesiophobia total and domain scores (activity avoidance and harm) and levels, as well as pain intensity among HV deformity degrees. Post hoc comparisons showed statistically significant differences with a large effect size (p < 0.05; d = 0.85–4.41), showing higher kinesiophobia symptoms and levels and pain intensity associated with greater HV deformity degrees, especially for III-moderate and/or IV-severe HV deformity degrees versus I-no HV and/or II-mild deformity degrees. Both statistically significant prediction models (p < 0.05) for kinesiophobia (R² = 0.300) and pain intensity (R² = 0.815) were predicted by greater HV deformity degree and age. Conclusions: Greater kinesiophobia symptoms and levels and pain were associated with higher HV deformity degrees, especially severe and/or moderate HV with respect to no and/or mild HV. The kinesiophobia and pain intensity were predicted by greater HV deformity degree and age.

Physical therapy and migraine: musculoskeletal and balance dysfunctions and their relevance for clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a primary headache with high levels of associated disability that can be related to a variety of symptoms and comorbidities. The role of physical therapy in the management of migraine is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight and critically discuss the current literature and evidence for physical therapy interventions in individuals with migraines.

METHODS

A narrative review of the literature was performed.

RESULTS

Physical therapists assessing and treating patients with migraine should focus on two primary aspects: (1) musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and (2) vestibular symptoms/postural control impairment. Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal and/or vestibular dysfunctions are prevalent among individuals with migraines and different disability levels can be observed depending on the presence of aura or increment of the migraine attacks.

CONCLUSION

A proper physical examination and interview of the patients will lead to a tailored treatment plan. The primary aim regarding musculoskeletal dysfunctions is to reduce pain and sensitization, and physical therapy interventions may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education. The aim regarding postural control impairment is to optimize function and reduce vestibular symptoms, and interventions should include balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. However, consistent evidence of benefits is still lacking due to the lack of and therefore need for tailored and pragmatic clinical trials with high methodological quality.

Extensor/flexor ratio of neck muscle strength and electromyographic activity of individuals with migraine: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Neck pain is considered a common characteristic of migraine attacks. The relationship between neck pain and migraine can be explained by central sensitization of the trigeminocervical complex, where superior cervical afferents and the trigeminal nerve converge. However, few studies have evaluated motor control of cervical muscles in individuals with migraine. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the extensor/flexor ratio of neck muscle strength and electromyographic activity during a test of maximal voluntary isometric contraction and craniocervical flexion in individuals with migraine and individuals without history of migraine or other headaches.

METHODS

Fifty-two women with the disease and 52 women with neither a history of migraine nor neck pain, between 18 and 55 years old, were included in the study. The electromyographic activities of the sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, splenius capitis, and upper trapezius muscles were evaluated during a test of maximal voluntary isometric contraction and craniocervical flexion.

RESULTS

The migraine group presented lower flexor muscle strength and a higher extensor/flexor muscle strength ratio than the control group. In addition, the migraine group showed a reduced electromyographic extensor/flexor muscle ratio during maximal voluntary isometric contraction in flexion. The results demonstrated worse performance in the craniocervical flexion test of the migraine group and a lower electromyographic ratio of extensor/flexor neck muscles in the last stage of the test.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, the migraine group presented an imbalance in cervical muscles verified not only during force production, but also during muscle activity. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Physical therapist clinical reasoning and classification inconsistencies in headache disorders: a United States survey

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the decision-making processes of physical therapists relating to evaluation and categorization of patients with headaches, including consistency with criteria proposed by the International Headache Society (IHS).Methods: A national online survey was distributed in cooperation with the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Three hypothetical patient case vignettes featuring headache disorders were used as assessment instruments. Additionally, data on physical therapist education, clinical experience, manual therapy training, self-efficacy, and familiarity & consistency with IHS criteria were collected. Physical therapist identification and valuation of clinical features of headache disorders were also examined in the decision-making processes.Results: Among the 384 respondents, 32.3% classified the tension-type headache case consistent with IHS criteria. The cervicogenic and migraine headache cases were classified at 54.8% and 41.7% consistent with IHS categories, respectively. Experienced clinicians and those with formal manual training categorized patient presentations with greater consistency. Clinician familiarity with IHS classification criteria was low with 73.6% collectively somewhat and not familiar, while 26.4% of physical therapists were self-described as very or moderately familiar.Discussion: Clinicians' headache categorization was significantly affected by symptom misattribution and weighting of individual examination findings. Weighting by practitioners of clinical features varied markedly with greatest emphasis being placed on detailed manual examination procedures, including passive intervertebral movements. Inconsistencies in valuation of clinical features in headache categorization suggest a need for further formal education in physical therapy educational curricula and in post-graduate education, including of IHS criteria and classification.Level of Evidence: 2a.

Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity over Nerve Trunk Areas in Women with Frequent Episodic Tension-Type Headache as a Sign of Central Sensitization

Objective

Previous studies reported the presence of widespread pressure pain sensitivity in patients with tension-type headache. However, most of the studies assessed pressure pain sensitivity over muscle tissue. Our aim was to investigate the difference in pressure pain sensitivity over musculoskeletal and nerve symptomatic and distant areas between women with frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH) and healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty-two women with FETTH and 32 matched healthy women participated. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was bilaterally assessed over several nerve trunks (greater occipital, median, radial, ulnar, common peroneal, tibialis posterior) and musculoskeletal structures (temporalis muscle, C5/C6 joint, tibialis anterior) by an assessor blinded to the subject’s condition. A four-week headache diary was used to collect the intensity, frequency, and duration of headache. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to determine anxiety and depressive levels.

Results

Analysis of covariance found lower widespread and bilateral PPTs over all nerve trunks and musculoskeletal structures in women with FETTH pain (P &lt; 0.001). No significant effect of anxiety and depressive levels on PPTs was found (all P &gt; 0.222). PPT over the temporalis muscle was significantly negatively correlated with headache intensity.

Conclusions

This study found widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity over both nerve trunks and musculoskeletal structures in women with FETTH, suggesting that the presence of central altered nociceptive processing is not just restricted to musculoskeletal areas, for example, muscles, but also pain evoked from directly provoking the nerve trunks by pressure. It is also possible that nerve tissue treatment could lead to a decrease in central sensitization and headache features.